At 91, Joyce Irving is a star in her debut short.

Fragile, funny and sagacious, Irving shines. Placed within an obvious narrative, the actress has plenty of easy emotional notes to aim for. An elderly individual suffering from Alzheimer’s is a path often trod in film.

In itself, that’s not a criticism. It provides a safe frame for Irving and Alison Bruce to impress, with performances of beautiful delicacy.

The slow pace means it can hit all the right notes at all the right points to wonderful effect. This comedy-cum-tragedy is a simple yet wholly endearing and bittersweet short.

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INFORMATION

CAST: Joyce Irving, Alison Bruce

DIRECTORS: Mick Andrews, Brett O’Gorman

WRITER: Mick Andrews

SYNOPSIS: Dotty struggles to send a text message to her daughter.